LG

Despite the versatile use of carbon materials, inconsistent terminology and inadequate characterization – especially regarding graphene structures based on sp²-hybridized carbon atoms – often cause confusion. This perspective clarifies terms like graphite, graphitic carbon, non-graphitic carbon, and amorphous carbon by aligning IUPAC definitions with X-ray scattering and Raman data, highlighting how structural differences impact material characterization and classification.

Abstract

Carbon materials are of increasing importance for various applications especially in the field of energy storage and conversion as well as electrocatalysis, and thus, they are essential for the worldwide transition toward an emission-free economy. Hence, various carbonaceous materials with different levels of order of graphene stacks are discussed in current literature. However, precise characterization or even the correct terminology of the respective material is often neglected, leading to miscommunication and misinterpretation throughout the carbon community, especially with respect to “amorphous” carbon. Here, we aim to clarify the terms describing different graphene-containing carbon materials, namely graphite, graphitic carbon, non-graphitic carbon, and amorphous carbon. We recall the IUPAC definitions of these materials and correlate them with characteristic X-ray scattering patterns as well as Raman spectra, being the most widespread and appropriate characterization techniques. Thereby, this scientific perspective strives toward raising awareness for fine structural differences and the need for a consistent characterization and description of these carbon materials.

Nature Chemistry, Published online: 26 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s41557-026-02069-x

Mineralization of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to inorganic fluorides is challenging. Now, a lithium metal-mediated electrochemical reduction route is reported that degrades and defluorinates PFAS with high efficiency. Additionally, the fluoride released from the reactive metal-based reaction can be upcycled to a non-PFAS fluorinated product in a circular fluorine loop.

We report a robust, metal-free and scalable synthesis of stable BF₂ boracycles via directed ortho CH borylation, delivering isolable, shelf-stable reagents without chromatographic purification. These BF₂ boracycles exhibit unique and tunable reactivity, enabling highly selective ipso-functionalization across a broad range of transformations. Their exceptional stability, wide substrate scope, and superior reactivity establish BF₂ boracycles as powerful alternatives to conventional organoboron reagents for pharmaceutical and radiochemical applications.

Abstract

The development of new boron reagents continues to play a crucial role in advancing modern organic synthesis, particularly in C–H functionalization and cross-coupling reactions. Herein, we report a metal-free, robust, and scalable multigram protocol for the synthesis of stable BF₂ boracycles that require no column chromatography, providing a practical and efficient route to access this valuable boron species. The BF₂ boracycles exhibit enhanced stability and reactivity, making them highly versatile intermediates for late-stage diversification. They undergo ipso-substitution to afford a wide array of derivatives, including halogenated (e.g., radioiodinated), hydroxylated, and azidated products. Furthermore, they display excellent reactivity in Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions, enabling both C(sp²)─C(sp²) and C(sp²)─C(sp³) bond formation. These results underscore the utility of BF₂ boracycles as powerful tools for selective functionalization in pharmaceutical synthesis and beyond. Our work represents a significant advancement in organoboron chemistry, offering both a streamlined synthetic approach and broad applicability for complex molecule construction.

Control of catalytic activity of transition metal complexes remains a challenging task. We present a diarylethene-based photoswitchable system that enables the attainment of diverse states of the NHC ligand within the single palladium complex through thermal and photochemical cis-trans and syn-anti isomerizations, as well as reversible photocyclization. Our investigations reveal that the switch controls the electronic properties of the complex as well as the formation of nanoparticles and catalytic activity.

Abstract

Light offers a unique means of controlling matter with high precision, yet the development of robust photoresponsive transition-metal complexes remains a challenge. Here we report a self-tuning photochromic system based on a diarylethene-derived bis-NHC-palladium complex. The trans-anti complex (1^oo ) undergoes efficient stepwise photocyclization as well as unprecedented light-induced trans/cis isomerization at the metal center. Isolation and crystallographic characterization of the cis-anti isomer (2^oo ) reveal a thermodynamically more stable structure with enhanced photochromic performance and reversible multistate switching. Thermal studies uncover interconversion with additional rotamer, establishing a dynamic equilibrium among several photoactive palladium species. Spectroscopic and computational investigations elucidate the electronic transitions that drive both diarylethene cyclization and Pd─NHC geometric rearrangements. We demonstrate that the catalytic activity in the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction can be reversibly switched by light, with the photocyclized catalyst forms showing negligible catalytic activity, while the open forms achieve high efficiency. This establishes a direct link between photoisomerization and predicted catalytic performance. Pre-catalyst evolution demonstrates that the geometry of the complex controls the balance between nanoparticle-mediated and homogeneous reactivity, delineating a novel strategy for adaptive catalysis.

Europe’s chemical industry faces a defining moment. Decarbonization, circularity, and digitalization are reshaping competitiveness amid high energy costs and investment challenges. Integrating responsible and resilient chemistry with innovation, infrastructure, and policy is essential to translate scientific leadership into sustainable industrial renewal and long-term industrial leadership.

Abstract

Chemistry stands at a pivotal juncture, facing unprecedented expectations to decarbonize, enable circularity, and sustain essential sectors, while remaining globally competitive. Europe embodies these pressures acutely. Although the region excels in frontier research, structural disadvantages such as high energy and feedstock costs, fragmented regulation, slow permitting, and constrained capital limit its capacity to translate scientific leadership into industrial success. The energy crisis of 2022 exposed long-standing vulnerabilities, triggering capacity closures in foundational value chains such as ammonia and olefins and accelerating the erosion of Europe`s market share. Yet chemistry`s transformation is driven not only by economic asymmetry, but by deeper shifts: the urgency of decarbonization, the need for molecular circularity, and the integration of digital technologies into discovery and manufacturing. Breakthroughs in electrification, advanced catalysts, CO₂ conversion, self-driving laboratories, and AI-enabled synthesis offer pathways to both competitiveness and sustainability, but their impact depends on coordinated infrastructure, stable policy, and risk-tolerant finance. Crucially, this moment also demands responsibility and resilience: chemistry must be circular by design, transparent in its data, and robust enough to withstand shocks, diversify feedstocks, and scale technologies reliably. Europe`s leadership will hinge on embedding these principles into how chemistry is imagined, taught, and deployed.

Herein, we report the first nickel-catalyzed dearomative dialkylation of indoles with two distinct alkyl halides via three component cross-electrophile coupling under mild conditions. The catalytic protocol offers a route for the modular assembly of diverse carbon quaternary center-containing dialkylated indoline derivatives with a broad substrate scope, great functional group tolerance and high chemo- and diastereoselectivities.

Abstract

The catalytic dearomative dicarbofunctionalization of indoles constitutes one of the most efficient ways to access poly-substituted indolines that are prevalent in many natural products and drugs. However, despite significant advances, three component dearomative dicarbofunctionalization of indoles has remained elusive. Herein, we report an unprecedented nickel-catalyzed dearomative dialkylation of indoles with two different alkyl halides via three component cross-electrophile coupling under mild conditions with the construction of two vicinal C(sp³)─C(sp³) bonds at C2 and C3 sites. The catalytic protocol offers an efficient and straightforward route for the modular assembly of diverse carbon quaternary center-containing dialkylated indoline derivatives with a broad substrate scope (75 examples), excellent functional group tolerance and high chemo- and diastereoselectivities. Mechanistic studies, combining a series of experiments and DFT calculations, reveal that the catalytic reaction proceeds via a radical pathway.

This work pioneers the use of machine learning-engineered chiral viologens to overcome solubility limitations and enhance alkaline resilience through solvation effects. It demonstrates the successful kg-scale preparation and Ah-class stack validation of chiral viologens for neutral aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) during long-term energy storage.

Abstract

Conventional N-alkylated viologen electrolytes in neutral aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) undergo irreversible nucleophilic S_N2 dealkylation degradation. Moreover, trial-and-error molecular design often fails to resolve the solubility–stability trade-off in high-concentration systems. Here we report a machine learning (ML) strategy using large language models (LLMs) trained on over 1300 AORFB studies to predict chiral viologens with ortho-dihydroxy motifs. This bonding network forms a dynamic, pH-adaptive “solvation armor” that stabilizes the viologen structure. The R-/S-enantiomers (2.75/2.76 M) exhibit 1.66 times higher solubility versus RS-racemate. Molecular simulations and in situ spectroscopy confirm that the dihydroxy groups protect reactive C─N bonds via a solvation structure (unrelated to chiral effect), enhancing stability to pH 11. The 1 M R²⁺ /R^+• redox couple sets a new record by achieving 99.42% capacity retention over 3652 cycles. The 1 M R -based AORFB shows 100% retention over 533 cycles, outperforming quaternary ammonium- ([(NPr)₂ V]Cl₄ , 94.92%) and sulfonate-modified viologen ((SPr)₂ V), 65.49%). Stable cycling across 0.1 ∼ 2.5 M demonstrates decoupling of degradation from concentration. This strategy is validated by 2.5 kg-scale synthesis and Ah-class stack testing (98.65% retention over 77 cycles), demonstrating industrial scalability. This work establishes a generalizable, ML-enabled platform for electrolyte development, bridging molecular design and practical AORFB deployment.

Using an in-house built robotic platform, we systematically explored the classic Pechmann reaction across a wide range of reaction conditions, uncovering a rich and previously unexplored network of reactivity. This approach led to the discovery of 11 novel products, including rare benzofurans formed through non-classical pathways. These results highlight how automated synthesis can not only map complex reaction spaces but also actively guide organic transformations toward unexpected outcomes .

Abstract

A robotic platform was deployed to map the distributions of products and by-products of the classic Pechmann reaction over a four-dimensional “hyperspace” of conditions. This systematic scan reveals the presence of 15 products of which 11 are unprecedented, including those forming by unusual mechanistic routes. In turn, the knowledge of the hyperspace allows for the deduction of causal relationships between the forming species, ultimately enabling the reconstruction of the underlying reaction network. The hyperspace approach provides a more complete description of organic reactions as dynamic networks which, depending on conditions, can be steered toward different outcomes.

B–N-substituted organic photosensitizers enable efficient triplet energy transfer under visible light, outperforming traditional sensitizers in challenging EnT reactions with high-energy substrates.

Abstract

We report a new class of rationally designed organic photosensitizers based on boron–nitrogen-substituted scaffolds, capable of mediating challenging triplet energy transfer (EnT) reactions under visible-light irradiation. Guided by DFT and TD-DFT calculations, we modulated the twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) character of the excited state through strategic substitution on the carbazole–borane framework, allowing fine-tuning of both absorption and triplet energy levels (E _T = 63–70 kcal mol⁻¹). The most effective catalyst outperformed traditional Ir- and xanthone-based sensitizers across benchmark EnT reactions, including E/Z isomerizations, [2 + 2] photocycloadditions, and [1,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement. This B–N system enables the sensitization of coumarin-related substrates with E _T ≥ 65 kcal mol⁻¹, which was previously inaccessible to fully organic EnT photocatalysts. These results establish a new design principle for modular, high-energy triplet sensitizers based on organic aminoborane scaffolds.

Accessing Diaryl Quaternary Centers via Dual Cu/Photoredox Catalysis. The decarboxylative cross-coupling of tertiary benzylic carboxylic acids and aryl bromides to furnish all-carbon diaryl quaternary centers is reported. Tertiary benzylic radicals are introduced as viable participants in metallaphotoredox-catalyzed cross-couplings. Undesired benzylic radical dimerization is suppressed via fast radical trapping with Cu.

Abstract

Herein we report the decarboxylative cross-coupling of tertiary benzylic carboxylic acids and aryl bromides to furnish all-carbon diaryl quaternary centers. For the first time, tertiary benzylic radicals are introduced as viable participants in metallaphotoredox-catalyzed cross-couplings by suppressing undesired benzylic radical dimerization via fast radical trapping with Cu. We demonstrate the functionalization of feedstock carboxylic acids as well as late-stage functionalization of carboxylic acid-containing drugs.